Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has said that leaders of the Awami League facing criminal allegations or legal proceedings must undergo the judicial process, to contest elections. However, being accused in a case does not automatically disqualify a person from contesting elections, he said.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Dr. Rahman addressed issues including local government elections, Malaysia’s labour market, media reforms, online misinformation, and the transfer of the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner.
On the participation of Awami League leaders in upcoming local government elections, he said local polls are currently held on a non-partisan basis and candidates from any political background must contest as independents rather than under party banners.
“Whether a candidate belongs to BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami League or any other party, he or she must contest as an independent candidate,” he said, adding that no candidate would be allowed to campaign using party identities, platforms or programmes. The restriction, he noted, applies equally to all political parties.
Dr. Rahman said eligibility for Union Parishad and Upazila Parishad elections is determined by existing laws, and anyone not legally disqualified can participate. He added that the current framework prioritises legal eligibility over political affiliation.
On the proposed Media Commission, Dr. Rahman said the government is proceeding cautiously and will not rush the process. While acknowledging the value of recommendations prepared by a previous commission, he said the government does not agree with every proposal and intends to conduct broader consultations before finalising reforms.
He said the goal is to ensure freedom of expression, media professionalism, ethical standards and protection for vulnerable groups, including women, children and minorities.
Addressing concerns over online harassment and defamatory content targeting women, Dr. Rahman said the government would rely on proper investigations rather than unverified claims, including findings from fact-checking organisations. Referring to the arrest of an individual accused of posting offensive content about the Prime Minister’s daughter, he stressed that all women are entitled to equal protection under the law. “One woman named Jaima Rahman and another woman from any corner of society are equal in the eyes of the state,” he said.
The adviser said he had discussed the issue with the Prime Minister and described online abuse against women as a serious criminal matter requiring decisive action. He also revealed that the government is finalising a specialised panel of lawyers to pursue legal action against those responsible for misinformation, disinformation and online defamation. The panel will be empowered to issue legal notices and initiate court proceedings.
Commenting on the transfer of Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam, Dr. Rahman dismissed speculation linking the move to efforts aimed at increasing transparency in the management of shrine funds and religious institutions. He said such claims were based on assumptions rather than evidence.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, he said not all administrative decisions require detailed public explanations and some may involve legitimate state confidentiality. He urged citizens to rely on official statements and verified information rather than narratives circulating on social media.
